London link to Manchester ‘contraband tobacco brand’

The Government denies that it is influenced by the tobacco lobbyJonathan Brady/PA

What is said to be one of the world’s biggest contraband tobacco brands is based in the West End of London.

A company linked to Manchester United Kingdom, which has been accused by authorities in Australia of smuggling in that country, has been trading from a registered address on Regent Street.

The revelation comes as Sir Cyril Chantler, the paediatrician appointed by the Government to conduct a review into whether plain tobacco packaging would have an effect on public health, is due to publish his findings this week.

Sir Cyril visited Australia, the only country to have banned branded cigarette packs, this month to consider the evidence.

The Government announced steps last November to press ahead with plain packaging before the next election, as it…